Landscapes and gardens

Do you like nature and the great outdoors? Are you passionate about Scotland’s natural environment, plants and wildlife? If so, a career in landscape and gardens may be for you! Whether gardeners, landscape architects, rangers, or environmental professionals, there are plenty of roles you can choose from. 

Staff working within this sector conserve and protect Scotland’s natural heritage and its biodiversity, which plays a major role in combating climate change. Gardens and landscapes tell the story of an area and are popular attractions for people to visit. Perhaps you’re interested in demonstrating historical horticultural techniques? Or want to keep our heritage sites as beautiful places that we want to stay and spend our time in? Maybe you want to develop a landscape conservation project, or simply enjoy working outside? This and more are possible when working within landscapes and gardens. 

Several jobs in this area often have a key educational role to play. You’ll be able to tell people about the plants and animals in the area and inform visitors in how to respect and care for their environment and the wildlife around them, depending on your role. 

Example jobs include: 

• Site Ranger 

• Landscape Architect 

• Landscape Manager 

• Ecologist 

• Environmental Advisor 

• Gardener and Grounds Maintenance Operatives 

To find out more about what skills are needed, information on training, how to get started on your career and examples about different roles, a good site to visit is Lantra’s Industry Details on Horticulture & Landscaping and Environmental Conservation. 

Looking for vacancies? Start here: 

• Historic Environment Scotland 

• National Parks Job Hub 

• Countryside Jobs Links 

• Countryside Jobs Service 

• Ends Report Job Portal 

• Horticruitment's Job Page 

• Horticulture Jobs 

Read what it’s like to work at the gardens at some of our sites in blogs from:

• Head Gardener Kenny Steven at Holyrood Palace

• Apprentice Gardener Daisy at Dirleton Castle